Accessibility Abroad

The Accessibility Services Office and International & Off-Campus Programs work closely together to provide global opportunities to all OWU students. It is our goal to provide you with support and resources as you consider off-campus programming. We are here to help you navigate the best options to meet your particular emotional, mental, physical, and learning needs.

Students registered with ASO who are eligible for on-campus accommodations are also eligible for accommodations abroad when they can be arranged. The key to a successful experience is planning; we encourage you to disclose any accessibility concerns early in the study abroad process so we can best support you.

The power of the question mark - SWOOP Analytics® | Workforce Analytics | Digital Workplace SolutionQuestions to Consider?

Consider the below questions as you explore program options:

  1. What are my primary goals for studying abroad and what types of programs will help me achieve them? 
  2. How can I prepare for adjustments (e.g., dietary changes, food allergies, language barriers, sensory overload, environmental factors like high elevation, etc.) in my host country?
  3. What are the physical environments like in the host country? What do academics look like in my host country/on my program (e.g. mainly lecture, independent research, etc)?
  4. How might my accessibility considerations impact which program I choose?
  5. Do I feel comfortable disclosing my condition to the International & Off-Campus programs or Accessibility Services Office?
    Note: Health conditions and/or disability considerations are not factored into application decisions. Our priority is to help you have a safe and positive experience abroad. We encourage you to disclose early in the process so we can support you in addressing these considerations.
  6. How will I plan to manage my condition when abroad? If I utilize academic, medical, psychological, or other resources at OWU, how can I utilize resources abroad?

You can also visit these online resources for further information:

  • Mobility International USA: Study abroad information for people with disabilities.
  • Access Abroad: Comprehensive guide for students with accessibility considerations who want to study abroad.
  • Abroad with Disabilities: Facebook page (started by a former Grand Valley State study abroad student) that serves as a resource for students with disabilities who wish to study abroad and a space where students can openly ask questions and share their experiences abroad.

Teens and Prescription Drugs Traveling with Medication 

  • Talk with your prescribing physician well in advance of your program departure about obtaining an adequate supply of prescription medications you need for the duration of your study abroad program.

  • When traveling, carry your prescription medications in your carry-on bag in their original container along with the hard-copy prescription with your physician's explanation of the condition and the generic and brand names of the medication and dosage information.

  • Do not mail medications abroad; this will require customs paperwork and may be delayed in delivery.

  • Rehearse how you will discuss your medical condition(s) in the language of your host country. Look up key vocabulary words ahead of time.

  • Review Mobility International's prescription medications tip sheet for more information related to availability, legality, coverage of costs, backup supply, time zone changes, and interaction with other medications.

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